Jolene is the middle child with two sisters. She was raised by members of her family working in the social services/helping profession. She grew up with her grandparents living next door as a native Southern Californian. She feels very blessed to have been influenced by their wisdom throughout her upbringing; as they shaped her view of the world and empowered her to become a leader in the field of service to our elderly population.

Jolene recalls a clarifying conversation with a Silverado Resident some years ago, when she took away a valuable insight. “Jolene”, the Resident explained, “your team is only as strong as its weakest team member”. In that moment, she realized that her role as the Administrator was one of a complex and impactful nature, to an even larger degree than she had once calculated. She has been called to create and nurture a culture of love for Employees, Residents, and Families alike. The education and development of her team is of primary importance to her and it is through their strength that her purpose for our memory impaired Residents and Families, is served. To that end, Jolene aspires to give each person she encounters, the L.I.F.E. they were meant to live!

Jolene earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University. She began her career with Silverado Senior Living in 2003 as the Director of Resident and Family Services, served in that capacity for 3 years, she was then promoted to Administrator.

As Silverado-Encinitas’ medical director, John W. Daly, MD, brings boundless energy and commitment to his chosen field of geriatrics. He completed both a BS in Nursing and medical school at the University of New Mexico, and moved to San Diego to complete his residency in internal medicine and a geriatrics and rheumatology fellowship at the University of California at San Diego. He has been making a difference in the lives of our seniors here ever since. Dr. Daly is Assistant Professor of Geriatric Medicine at UCSD and Director of the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship there. He is also the Consultant Geriatrician to the Senior Behavioral Medicine inpatient unit at UCSD Thornton Hospital in La Jolla, CA.

Dr. Daly’s expertise in dementia care is equaled by his commitment to enhancing the dignity, independence and quality of life of all the elderly, including those living with memory impairment. The relationships he has built at Silverado Senior Living during his regular visits has won the hearts of our residents, family members and associates alike.

Stacie Weigle is native to Southern California and is the younger of two children. She accurately describes herself as a “southern girl from Southern California” and credits her solid family values, spiritual beliefs and southern hospitality to the time she spent with her family in Tennessee. Unfortunately, Stacie’s grand fathers passed away when she was very young and her grand mothers lived in other states. Although she visited often, she was not afforded an abundance of time with her grand parents. Therefore, the time she spends with our residents is borrowed and very precious to her.

By the tender age of 12 years old, Stacie knew that she was destined to be a servant. By the age of 18, she was working with her aunt, teaching the memory impaired and developmentally disabled population, activities of daily living. At 19 years old, she became a CNA and soon after, an RN. Nursing came very naturally to Stacie from the clinical perspective, but even greater than her ability to bandage wounds and stitch cuts was her mission to give love. “Love is making a meal. It is sitting at the bedside of a person who is passing away and holding the hand of their loved one. Love is taking the time just to listen. Being a nurse encompasses all of the extraordinary pleasures of being a servant”, Stacie explains. “I am a servant to my Father in Heaven and it is through him that my mission is served”, she adds.

As an RN, Stacie has served in the hospital setting in Telemetry/Oncology, the Post Anesthetic Care Unit and then as a Clinical Nurse Supervisor. She learned of Silverado from a friend and from the moment she stepped foot in the door, she knew she belonged here. She was hired and has been the Director of Heath Services since June 2007.

Sheila was born and raised in Chicago and moved to California in 1984. Growing up, her mother and grand mother were her greatest influences. When Sheila was 10 years old, her grand mother had a stroke and was paralyzed on one side. Sheila and her mother brought her to live with them and they became her caregivers.

In 1994, Sheila was in a tragic car accident which left her paralyzed on one side. At that time, she had been working with hospice for 11 years as a CHHA, where she would provide crisis care for patients. Since she was unable to drive, walk, or stand without assistance, she resigned from her position at hospice. She began receiving a disability income and continued to raise her 2 children. Sheila felt hopeless and even angry but she continued to work everyday towards walking again.

Her cousin decided to move in with her to help with the boys and look after Sheila. As her strength and endurance continued to increase, so did her interest in getting back to work. One day, her cousin came home and very excitedly began to describe a place called Silverado. “They are doing things totally different than anyone else”, she told Sheila. Although stronger, she was still doubtful if she could go back to work.

In October of 1997, Sheila was hired as a part time caregiver. She quickly moved into the role of Lead Caregiver, to Senior Care Coordinator, then to Director of Engagement. In January of 2001 she became a Family Ambassador and continues in this role.

“I know what it is to be disabled. I know the value of opportunities for continued growth and fulfillment in the face of disability”, Sheila adds.

Dorit has an identical twin who is also an LCSW, and they have both dedicated their careers to serving the elderly population. Growing up, both of her grandmothers spent time living in the home and played an integral role in the family’s daily life. Dorit relates her passion for serving the elderly and their families directly to the influence of her grand mothers.

Dorit became familiar with Silverado Senior Living during her tenure as a Geriatric Care Manager. Her then client, a 72 year old, brittle, insulin dependent diabetic who lived at home, was behavioral and extremely demanding. This challenging gentleman was eventually placed at Silverado, where she visited him weekly and monitored his care.

Dorit explains that through this experience, she gained a profound insight. She, as many of us have, thought that “home” was the best place for someone to live if they had the means, even in the face of memory impairment. In many cases, it is to the contrary. People with memory impairments need each other and thrive with social engagement. “Dementia is not the end of the road. There is still joy to be experienced”, she concludes.

Dorit received her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and has served the geriatric community for over ten years, working in community agencies, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals. She joined Silverado Senior living as a Family Ambassador in 2004, where she assists families in making a myriad of difficult decisions surrounding the placement of their loved ones at Silverado.

Debbie was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts and is the oldest daughter of four girls. She moved to California just after high school, was married and had 2 children.

Debbie found her calling while in the role of Function Coordinator for her local church. She recalls a New Years Eve dinner she put together in which a 97 year old, reserved, “Southern Belle” led to her current path. Debbie was wrapping up the celebration, following the ball drop and the release of hundreds of brilliantly colored balloons from the ceiling, when something very interesting occurred. She watched this 97 year old take the napkin off her lap, curtly place it on the table and begin kicking the balloons around. She then stood up and began hopping around, playing with the balloons and laughing out loud. “I knew in that moment that everyone has a spirit of laughter and happiness inside of them. They may be afraid to let it out fearing what others might think. “It is my mission and purpose to give each resident the opportunity to release that fear, and give L.I.F.E. to their joy!”

Debbie has been directing engagement programs for more than 7 years. She began her career at Silverado Senior Living in 2008.

Kathy believes the sense of taste and the sense of smell are crucial elements of our resident’s enjoyment. “They look forward to their meals. It is just a pleasure to see them visiting with their families and other residents over a meal and knowing that I had a part in bringing them together”, she explains. Kathy’s mission is to promote and maintain the “family table” concept; to understand and respect cultural preferences; and provide a joyful dining experience for residents, families, and employees.

Kathy began her career at Silverado Senior Living in 2000 as the head cook and was quickly promoted to the Director of Culinary Services.

Nikki is a 4th generation Japanese-American, an only child raised in Arcadia, California. She often mentions the enjoyment she experiences through her exceptionally close relationship with her parents, as she did with her late grandmother, who lived with Alzheimer’s for over 16 years. Her culturally rich upbringing has afforded her a profound respect and reverence for the wisdom and experience of our elderly population.

Through Nikki’s personal experience with her own grandparents and the residents of Silverado, she realizes one of the greatest challenges facing memory impairment is the frustration that surrounds the loss of a less-than-distant past; the uncertainty of the future; and the acceptance of the present moment. Nikki’s purpose is to be a guiding light on the otherwise dark and demanding road of memory impairment and loss. She believes through ongoing education and support, understanding is born. And, as each step on the well-lit path is firmly grounded with education and support, the residents and families becomes strengthened. Thus, together we are giving L.I.F.E. to each of our residents.

Nikki earned a Master’s degree in Counseling at the University of San Diego, a second Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University. She began her career at Silverado Senior Living in April 2008.